STROMBOLI, ITALIA [AEOLIAN ISLANDS]

August 28-31, 2015
Stromboli is the northern most island of the Aeolian Islands and is known as the 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean' due to its steep active volcano. There are a couple of small settlements on the island, strategically placed where the usual lava does not flow. Film-makers and celebrities such as Dolce and Gabbana own villas on the island, although we didn't bump into any during our visit.

Stromboli from afar

Stromboli from afar

Approaching Stromboli

Approaching Stromboli

Approaching Stromboli

Stromboli, like Panarea, has a limited number of things to do, which means that it is a relaxing retreat. One can walk around the main village and check out the views, take a boat ride to the Sciara del Fuoco and see the steep lava scar down the side of the volcano, or hike the volcano and watch the eruptions up close. Our schedule didn't allow us to hike the volcano but we did see lots of flash photography happening during the eruptions from our boat.

The village of Stromboli is clustered on the sloping landscape near the shore. It is where the ferries land and where most of the populated activity is located. The coast is filled with black volcanic sand and stone which continues into the water. This was my first time on a black sand beach so I was excited. After meandering through some small streets we found ourselves at the little piazza San Vincenzo which includes the Chiesa di San Vincenzo. It is quite picturesque with the slope of the volcano in the background.

Black sand beaches

Black sand beaches

Black sand beaches

Black sand dunes

Black sand beaches with volcano in the distance

The volcano

From the upper part of the village of Stromboli

From the upper part of the village of Stromboli

From the upper part of the village of Stromboli

Chiesa di San Vincenzo

Chiesa di San Vincenzo

Chiesa di San Vincenzo

Chiesa di San Vincenzo

There is another tiny village on the island, one that we did not have a chance to see, called Ginostra. It is on the south-western shore and was only connected to Stromboli by a path which encircled the volcano; however, the path has been badly damaged and is no longer in use [from what I have read]. This means that traveling by boat is the only way to commute between the two. The village was just equipped with electricity in 2004.

Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is famous for its small but regular explosions of glowing lava. The activity has been going on for around 2000 years and doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. We had the opportunity to sit on our ferry, watch the sunset and wait for the lava bursts. The activity wasn't as strong as other nights, but we did get a few exciting moments. Unfortunately, I had terrible timing with my camera, and a not so steady hand.

Smoke from the volcano

Lava

Blurry but…

Side note:
Stromboli the food is not from Stromboli the island. It was created by the owner of an Italian restaurant outside of Philadelphia after the movie Stromboli. This was highly disappointing for PJ.